The Courage to Show Up

True courage isn’t in avoiding failure—it’s in showing up, daring greatly, and proving the critics don’t count. Do you have the courage to show up? Welcome to my first solo episode of Reflect Forward in 2025! I’m so excited to kick off the new year with an inspiring discussion on courage, resilience, and embracing vulnerability. Using Theodore Roosevelt's iconic "Man in the Arena" quote as a foundation, I explore what it means to show up in the face of fear, criticism, and self-doubt. This episode is all about daring greatly—stepping into the arena, regardless of whether you win or fail. I share some deeply personal stories of triumph, struggle, and leadership, and I offer actionable tips to help you find the courage to boldly pursue your purpose. What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: 1. The Power of Roosevelt’s "Man in the Arena" Quote: o I unpack the historical backdrop of Roosevelt’s famous speech and why its message is so timeless. o I explain how the quote inspires me to prioritize action over fear and effort over judgment—and how you can apply it in your own life. 2. Personal Stories of Stepping Into the Arena: o I open up about some of the most pivotal moments in my life, from facing criticism as a young leader to embracing vulnerability by sharing personal challenges with my team. o I show how taking bold steps, even when it felt uncomfortable, led to transformation and growth for me—and how it can for you too. 3. Actionable Tips to Step Into the Arena: o Focus on Your Purpose: I share how staying grounded in my "why" keeps me resilient in the face of criticism. o Reframe Failure: I talk about how I’ve learned to see setbacks as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up. o Build a Strong Support System: I reflect on the incredible people in my life who’ve uplifted me and how important it is to surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. o Detach from External Validation: I get real about my struggle with needing approval from others and how I’ve learned to validate myself by living authentically. o Celebrate Effort Over Outcomes: I explain why I focus on the journey and the courage it takes to show up instead of being fixated on results. Why This Matters in 2025: The world is filled with challenges—polarization, judgment, and fear. I believe it’s more important than ever for us to step into the arena and live courageously. Whether it’s leading boldly, sharing your story, or taking action despite fear, showing up with intention and heart is the key to creating a meaningful and impactful life. Your Call to Action: What’s your arena? What bold steps will you take to show up and live courageously this year? I’d love to hear your stories of resilience and daring greatly—please connect with me on LinkedIn or share your thoughts in the podcast comments. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need a little extra inspiration to step into their own arena. And don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube, and leave a review—it helps others find the podcast and grow from these conversations too. Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Dare Greatly Let’s commit to showing up, taking action, and living boldly this year. Remember, the credit belongs to those of us who step into the arena. Together, we can create something amazing. Listen now on all major podcast platforms or on YouTube—I can’t wait to hear how you’ll step into the arena. Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!